The research group of professor Till Rümenapf is focusing on basic research in virology. We are primarily investigating viruses related to diseases in livestock, especially in pigs and cattle.  Our aim is to elucidate molecular mechanisms of viruses that cause disease and can spread in the animal and its population: particularly mechanisms of infection, replication, virus morphogenesis and evasion of immunological barrier.

Key Areas of Research include: 

• - Classical Swine Fever virus (CSFV),

• - Porcine Respiratory and Reproducting Syndrome virus (PRRSV),

• - Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus (BVDV), 

PRRSV is currently considered one of the most significant viral diseases of swine worldwide. The economic damage caused by PRRSV is enormous in Austria. In particular, the development of persistent infections in sows complicates the rehabilitation of pig herds. We want to elucidate the strategies and pathogenesis of PRRSV molecularly.

Bee research is also part of the research work of our group. High losses of bee colonies last winter underline the importance of research into the molecular mechanisms of bee viruses.